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Hagar Lautman

Shenkar College of Engineering, Design and Art

My name is Hagar Lautman, I’m a 26-year-old fashion designer based in Tel Aviv, currently in my third year of Fashion Design studies at Shenkar College. Alongside my studies, I’ve been interning at the renowned Israeli brand Mother of All, where I’ve grown through every aspect of the brand: from sales and customer interaction, to pattern development, sewing, creating internal website content, writing tech packs, and producing photoshoots. This hands-on experience has shaped my professional foundation. Being a fashion designer is not just what I do – it’s who I am at my core. I wake up every day with deep passion for this field. Fashion is my language, a way of life and self-expression. Through my creative process, I constantly explore, ask questions, and learn about topics that inspire me. Design is the tool through which I grow and express my evolving identity – always striving to become the best version of myself. I’m deeply drawn to craftsmanship and labor-intensive techniques. My work often combines old and new, repurposing raw materials into something unexpected. I particularly love working with denim and leather – both rich, tactile, and full of story. Recently, I completed a course in sustainable fashion, where I created a capsule collection using only found materials – from old bags and shoes to my grandmother’s vintage tablecloths. The project won first prize and a scholarship. To me, leather is a timeless, natural, and respectful material – durable, biodegradable, and meaningful. Choosing leather is not only an aesthetic decision, but a conscious and sustainable one.

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RAW LAYERS - By Hagar Lautman

Category: Apparel

Competitions: International

My inspiration stems from the skin of the snake - a living surface that constantly wears, rubs, and renews itself. Every few months, the snake undergoes a transformation called molting, shedding its old, damaged layer and revealing fresh, sensitive skin underneath. This raw and vulnerable phase, although exposing the snake to danger, is also essential for its growth, resilience, and heightened sensitivity to its surroundings. For me, this is one of nature's most poetic expressions of renewal. In this project, I chose to focus on the molting process and the powerful, beautiful qualities it embodies - qualities I see as deeply parallel to human experiences. It represents the courage to let go of scars and emotional burdens, the choice of what and when to release, and the physical, almost ritualistic act of separation. It's about allowing ourselves to be vulnerable, while also making space for new life, clarity, and transformation. This year also marks the Year of the Snake in the Chinese zodiac – a symbol of wisdom, elegance, and mystery. These attributes inspired both the aesthetic and emotional layers of my design. The Year of the Snake invites introspection, personal growth, and energetic change - a perfect reflection of the themes embedded in this work. Throughout the project, I explored the snake's layered nature, my obsessive fascination with the beauty of its textured skin, and the dialogue between different types of leather as a metaphor for life reborn. This creation is a celebration of transformation - both physical and emotional - and a tribute to the strength found in vulnerability. My collection blends the snake’s bold, vibrant presence with the raw, untamed spirit of the material. I incorporated elements that evoke a sense of movement and the use of multiple leather panels to simulate the formation of new skin. The palette is vivid and unapologetic, with metallic studs and textural contrasts adding to the visual intensity. I sought to preserve the idea of layering both in the silhouettes and in the obsessive visual richness – a calculated overload of texture and detail that ultimately blends into a harmonious whole. In my design, the dress is constructed from numerous lambskin leather panels, meticulously sewn together and embellished with metal studs to form a new, unified leather surface. Embracing a RAW aesthetic, the garment is left unlined, with the edges of the dress and sleeves preserving the original cuts of the hides. The leathers are intentionally rubbed, distressed, and worn, creating a textured, rugged appearance that reflects both physical transformation and emotional depth.

In association with Arts Thread

Working with our partners at Arts Thread to develop lifelong learning and career opportunities for students of fashion and design. Our partnership provides the opportunity to compete on a world stage, participate in industry led workshops, set up an outstanding portfolio and gain access to the resources that will kickstart careers in fashion and design.